The rise of Camulodunum
After the failed invasions by Julius Caesar, British history once again belonged to the Celts. Through archaeology, we know that the migrations from Gaul that started before the coming of the Romans continued afterwards. Large numbers of Balgae continued to cross the channel and settle in the fertile areas around the Thames. Also, during this time, trade with the continent and farther afield grew by leaps and bounds. Imports to Britain included pottery, amber, and glass. Large numbers of Roman wine jars dating to this period have also been found (mead is the only native Celtic alcoholic beverage). In return, the British sent off cattle, wheat, articles of gold and silver, oysters, and pearls.
Most of our knowledge of the politics of this time once again comes from the Romans and is sketchy at best.
Despite his failure to stop the forces of Julius Caesar, the Celtic chieftain Cassivelanunus remained an important figure in British politics, and his family and tribe grew in wealth and power over the years. Around 10 AD, the warrior Cymbeline came to power in the tribe. After a series of military victories over the surrounding tribes, Cymbeline established a new capital called Camulodunum, near the site of the present city of Colchester. From this capital, Cymbeline ruled an area of Britain which included all of Essex, a large portion of Kent, and all of the area around the Thames as far as Oxford.
Despite his military conquests, Cymbeline was very careful in his dealings with the Romans (who ruled over all of Gaul), and never gave them any reason or excuse to return to Britain. Unfortunately, when Cymbeline died, relations with the Romans immediately went sour. Other Celts who had lost power to Cymbeline requested help from the Romans, meanwhile, Cymbeline’s sons started stirring up trouble in Gaul.
In AD 43, Tiberius Claudius Drusus was made Emperor in Rome and was looking for a conquest...
